Assistant Principal - Palmerston North Specialist School

Palmerston North Specialist School (Proposed opening date: 2027-04-27) Manawatu/Whanganui Assistant Principal - Palmerston North Specialist School Full time, Permanent Area / composite (Years 1–15), Assistant principal English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts 4 MU This is a rare and exciting opportunity for visionary educational leader to join the foundation leadership team of Palmerston North’s newest school. Te Ohanui – Palmerston North Specialist School will be the first specialist school established in New Zealand in 50 years. Scheduled to open in Term 3, 2027, the school will feature a purpose-built campus in Palmerston North and cater for up to 125 ākonga aged 5–21 with complex learning needs. Who we are looking for We are seeking an Assistant Principal to help shape the strategic direction, culture, teaching and learning programmes, and operational systems of this new school. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the foundations to support the school’s long-term success. Our vision is to create a learning community where every ākonga is valued, enabled to flourish, and supported to live a life of dignity, purpose, and belonging. We are looking for a leader who brings: Extensive experience working with ākonga with high and complex needs, including leadership of wellbeing, pastoral care, and support systems. Expertise in behaviour support, enrolment processes, transition planning, and coordinating interventions in specialist school settings. Proven ability to strengthen teaching practice through coaching, mentoring, and professional learning. Successful leadership experience in a New Zealand educational setting, including leading change and continuous improvement. Strong knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Excellent communication, relationship-building, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Empathy and commitment to supporting our most vulnerable tamariki. Current NZ teacher registration and relevant qualifications. This is a career-defining opportunity to help build a new specialist school from the ground up, making a lasting contribution to specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Preferred start date: Term 4, 2026, although Term 1, 2027 will be considered for the right candidate. Palmerston North Specialist School (Proposed opening date: 2027-04-27) Physical address: 374 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North #J-18808-Ljbffr